Sweet Treats to Support Sweet Sounds

A sure sign of fall in Western Springs are the "Taffy Apple Orders are Due" signs in front of the District 101 Schools.  Less well-known is that an order for a case of 24 apples means a batch of caramel apples made fresh the morning of delivery.

These are no ordinary apples. They are large Jonathan apples dipped in caramel and made with old school ingredients: corn syrup, milk, cream, sugar, salt and vanilla.  They are produced by Andrews Apples of Chicago and come in the buyer's choice of with or without nuts (and newcomer option, sprinkles.)

And this is no ordinary fundraising sale. It is a more than 30-year tradition to benefit the District 101 band and orchestra programs, sponsored by the District 101 Band and Orchestra Parents Association. 

Budget cutbacks and shortfalls for schools nationwide regularly make the news.  Music programs often suffer or are lost completely. Dawn Friebrandt, District 101 Band Director comments that the Band and Orchestra Association is really the "backbone of the District music programs." She feels this additional support allows the District 101 band and orchestra programs to "stay strong and be stronger than what other communities are able to have."

The District 101 Band and Orchestra Parents Association rely on funds raised for a number of initiatives.  They provide financial support in the form of instrument rental and lessons for families in need. Up to 10 summer music camp scholarships are funded.  Exposure to music through the use of instruments is a goal of the assemblies that occur every year at the elementary schools.

Since children are not able to join band or orchestra until 4th grade, these assemblies provide a platform to develop future interest in the music program.   Both a blues and jazz bands have performed in recent years.  The directors also regularly communicate with the association about needs.  Instruments can be purchased when school budget funds do not permit.  Several years ago, two baritone horns were purchased. The band and orchestra directors are able to apply for funding during a gift window. 

"District 101 is very supportive of the band and orchestra programs", association president Ellen Oltgen observes.

At the elementary school level, orchestra involves only stringed instruments such as violin, viola and cello.  The band involves all other instruments: wind, percussion.  There is a holiday show and concerts in February and April. At the junior high level, orchestra is expanded to include wind and percussion. Additional concerts are also performed

The Band and Orchestra Parents Association meets every other month, and every family that participates in band or orchestra is considered a member.  There are several fundraisers throughout the year.  Parent volunteers drive the success of this organization. Oltgren remarks that "they are a fun group to work with." 

The apples sold during the fundraiser have a shelf life of up to 3 weeks when kept in a cool place.  Order forms are available at the schools and due by Friday, September 10th.  In addition, children in District 101 schools will have the opportunity to purchase the apples for $1.00 during lunch and after school starting September 21-24 or until supplies run out. Cases may be available after September 21 but are subject to availability.